Boston CF Ellsbury put in boot, no date for return

NEW YORK (AP) — Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is now wearing a protective boot on his injured right foot, and there is no timetable for his return to the lineup.

“I don’t think we’re looking at anything day to day,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

Farrell said an MRI on Saturday morning showed inflammation and swelling. Ellsbury left the team’s series in New York and returned to Boston for further examination. Farrell didn’t speculate on when Ellsbury could play again, saying he would wait until there is “more conclusive evidence.”

Ellsbury is going to Colorado to get a second opinion from foot specialist Dr. Thomas Clanton at The Steadman Clinic. Ellsbury tops the majors with 52 stolen bases in 56 tries. He is hitting .299 and has scored a team-high 89 runs.

The star leadoff hitter fouled a pitch off his foot last week. He singled, stole second and scored the go-ahead run against the Yankees on Thursday night, but didn’t play Friday.

Farrell said Ellsbury aggravated the injury with his key steal, and that his foot “didn’t respond” to treatment.

The Red Sox have the best record in the league. The AL East leaders recalled Jackie Bradley Jr. from Triple-A Pawtucket, where the team was in the International League playoffs. Bradley was in the starting lineup in center field Saturday against New York. This is his fourth stint with Boston this year.

Bradley started on opening day in left field at Yankee Stadium. He has hit .155 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 23 games for Boston. Shane Victorino took over Ellsbury’s leadoff spot.